2012 Lynch-Bages (Pauillac)

Inky ruby in colour, muscular tannins with tons of dark fruit. The oak integration on the palate is next to perfection: vanilla, cloves, charred wood, toast that becomes even more dominant through the plate. Mint. Acidity is slightly restrained by grippy tannins, but the freshness comes though in a mint leaf finish, tapering to softer fruit and oak spices. 65% new oak, Jean-Charles Cazes owner, Harvest October 12-18. 95 points

The 2012 Lynch Bages is much more closed on the nose after the 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste. Blackberry and cedar, pencil box and light minty scents gradually unfold. The palate is balanced with a chewy opening. Solid with plenty of dense black fruit, but I find this just lacking delineation and comes across a bit ‘blocky’ on the granular, slightly austere, graphite-tinged finish, confirmed by a second bottle at the Bordeaux Index horizontal. This is just a bit rough around the edges. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index`s Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. 90 points